First Coast No More Homeless Pets (FCNMHP) has been awarded a $25,000 grant from Florida Animal Friend, Inc. (FAF) to help fund its spay and neuter projects throughout Northeast Florida. According to FCNMHP, the grant will be used to provide free spay or neuter surgeries for Florida dogs – a service especially necessary to families with large dogs.
With the help of the grant, the organization’s second major spay and neuter program is currently underway. Dubbed “The Big Fix II,” the program will cover the cost of sterilization surgeries for dogs that weigh or are expected to weigh more than 40 pounds, as well as mandatory post-operative pain medication. Up to six dogs per household may be sterilized under the program, which is open to all Florida residents with proof of residency. Surgeries began Aug. 15 and are expected to continue until the funds are exhausted. Appointments can be made at www.fcnmhp.org.
“The Big Fix II will provide families, many whom are unable to afford veterinary care, the opportunity to receive the surgery for their dogs,” said Rick DuCharme, FCNMHP founder and executive director. “We are focusing on this population because the majority of dogs entering and languishing in shelters are large dogs.”
FCNMHP hosted its first “Big Fix” event in November of 2015, during which it provided surgeries for more than 500 dogs at no cost to their owners.
